Capital of Cycling 
Capital of Cycling’s Buttershaw Trailblazers project is taking practical steps this spring, building on the relationships and groundwork already established in the area.
Over the past few months, our youth projects lead Darren and colleagues have been running youth maintenance workshops, giving young people the chance to get hands‑on with bike repairs in a relaxed, supportive setting.
The sessions follow a simple “earn‑a‑bike” approach: participants learn basic skills while helping to fix up donated bikes, with the opportunity to take home a bike once they’ve put in the work. “It’s early days, but the workshops are already proving popular,” said Darren, “what would really be a boost is if we could get more interest from residents, volunteers and if the local youth workers would step up more.”
Alongside this, the project has launched a monthly open‑access mechanics club, offering local residents a place to get help with simple repairs or ask for advice. Through this and other community contacts, the team has already distributed around ten children’s bikes to families who needed them — making it easier for kids to get riding straight away.
Trailblazers has also supported a small group ride to Wibsey Park, giving young riders a chance to try the bike track and build confidence in a safe, fun environment. More activities are being planned, including learn‑to‑ride sessions and introductory mountain bike rides, depending on local interest and capacity.
This phase of Buttershaw Trailblazers is intentionally modest: small, practical steps that respond to what local families and young people say they want. By keeping things simple and community‑led, the project is creating steady momentum and laying the foundations for more regular cycling activity in Buttershaw.
How to get involved:
Local young people can book onto the Bike to the Future sessions here:
www:bookwhen.com/capitalofcycling
We also need more volunteers – if you are interested in helping with the project e-mail info@capitalofcycling.org with your contact details and mention you’re interested in the Buttershaw project in particular.
More about Bike to the Future sessions
Details
Bike to the Future is a hands-on youth bicycle maintenance course designed to build practical skills, confidence, and independence. Over three weeks, participants meet for 2 hours each week to learn the essentials of bike care and repair—from fixing a flat tire and adjusting brakes to basic safety checks and routine maintenance. Guided by experienced instructors, students work directly on their own bikes, gaining real-world mechanical skills in a supportive and fun environment. Best of all, each participant keeps the bike they work on when the course is complete, empowering them with reliable transportation and skills they can use for years to come.
Level: Beginner
Instructions
The sessions take place in the Buttershaw Youth Centre (cafe South) garage. Please make sure you wear old clothing as you will likely get messy and ensure the staff are made aware of any medical or wellbeing information
Local young people can book onto the Bike to the Future sessions here: